Chapter Forty-One: Three Imperial Decrees

Hearing this, Guo Mengdie nodded and turned to Wenwen, asking, "Wenwen, what do you think of that Zhu Youxiao just now?"

Wenwen and Guo Mengdie were not standing still; they walked as they talked. "Miss, is that our future young master? How can he be so awful? Not only did he make you cry, but he even touched you there!" As she uttered this, Wenwen, in the bloom of adolescence, blushed deeply, finding it hard even to speak of Zhu Hao's earlier actions.

Lowering her head, embarrassed, Wenwen continued, "He really is terrible. Miss, you must tell the old master when we return—never marry him! He's so lecherous, he'll surely have countless concubines in the future, and living in the palace you'll undoubtedly suffer, just like our young lady does now!"

Listening to Wenwen's words, Guo Mengdie couldn't help but shake her head. "Wenwen, you only see the surface, not the essence. I don't share your opinion at all!"

Wenwen was shocked at this. "Miss, don't tell me you've fallen for that scoundrel! Please, no! They say the maid who attends the lady must also go with her when she marries. That means I'd have to face that pervert every day too! Oh, please, Miss, don't do it..."

As Wenwen lamented about marriage, Guo Mengdie thought again of her encounter with Zhu Hao, her face flushing with embarrassment and anger. To break the awkwardness, she grabbed Wenwen by the ear. "You wretched girl! What nonsense are you spouting? When did I ever say I would marry that lecher?"

Wenwen, wincing in pain, quickly begged for mercy. "Ah, Miss, I was wrong! It hurts! Please let go!"

Guo Mengdie laughed and scolded her. "You little imp, you certainly put on a good act—I barely used any strength!" Yet even as she said this, she released Wenwen's ear. Though called mistress and servant, they were in truth as close as sisters, having grown up together—no one and nothing could replace their bond.

Rubbing her ear, Wenwen protested, "Miss, you won't admit it, but you do like that lecher! I said I hated him, but you said you disagreed with me! You're just not being honest with yourself, hmph!"

Hearing this, Guo Mengdie sighed. "Wenwen, just because my view differs from yours doesn't mean I like him. I'm merely curious about that lecher, nothing more."

Seeing Wenwen's confusion, Guo Mengdie explained, "When I rescued him just now, he acted frightened, but his eyes betrayed no panic. Even when I held a sword to his neck and he spoke submissively, there was not a trace of fear in his gaze. And though it seemed he was flirting with me, his eyes held no lascivious intent. Everything you saw was a performance! That's why I say you've only seen the surface, not his true heart. Even I cannot fathom what he's truly thinking. Only with my grandfather have I ever sensed such depth. I suspect this man’s future achievements will rival grandfather’s, but to be his woman may not bring happiness—grandmother’s experience is a warning. Even when she was gravely ill, grandfather wasn’t by her side! I’m truly conflicted now."

Wenwen scoffed with a look of disdain. "The old master is a pillar of the Ming Dynasty, his merits unmatched; history will remember him. That lecher may one day rule the world, but how could his accomplishments compare to the old master’s? Miss, you’re lovesick for him, that’s why you speak in his defense! Poor me—soon I’ll be dragged with you into that lecher’s pit! How tragic!"

Seeing Wenwen’s pitiful, aggrieved expression, Guo Mengdie was both exasperated and amused. She knew Wenwen didn’t believe her, so she said nothing more. Yet in her own heart, Guo Mengdie was clear as a mirror and mused to herself: "Lecher or not, my Ming Dynasty’s future may rest with you. I await your performance." Who could say when affection begins? Perhaps it starts with a memorable first encounter, piquing curiosity and a desire to explore one another’s hearts—perhaps that is the beginning of love.

At that moment, Zhu Hao was hurrying towards the temporary royal camp at the hunting grounds, completely unaware of the conversation between Guo Mengdie and Wenwen. If he had known that Guo Mengdie had seen through his act, he might have been tempted to silence her forever. And what he would never expect was that his carefully crafted image of a refined gentleman was, at that very moment, being dismissed as that of a lecher by two young ladies behind his back. If Zhu Hao knew, who knows what he would think.

After riding at a breakneck pace, Zhu Hao finally arrived at his destination, the temporary royal camp. Dismounting hastily, he rushed into the tent, calling, "Father…"

The ministers gathered outside the tent were visibly moved, discreetly wiping away tears.

Entering the tent, Zhu Hao saw his elder brother, Zhu Youxiao, weeping silently by their father's side. Zhu Hao hurried forward and prostrated himself. "Father, it’s me, Youjian. I’ve come to see you. What’s wrong? Please, wake up and speak to me!"

His emotional outburst prompted Zhu Youxiao, already overwhelmed with grief, to clutch Zhu Hao’s hand and sob, "Brother… Father, he… wuu…" He could not finish before breaking down.

Seeing the ministers in the tent pacing anxiously but taking no action, and his brother helplessly weeping, Zhu Hao realized the situation was critical. He put all pretense aside and said to Zhu Youxiao, "Brother, Father is gravely injured and unconscious. You are the crown prince—the ministers await your orders. You must pull yourself together if we are to save Father!"

Zhu Youxiao gazed at Zhu Hao, lost and bewildered. "Brother, what should I do? I am completely at a loss… Help me! Father is your father too! You must save him!"

This was exactly what Zhu Hao had been waiting for. He immediately bowed and said, "Your subject and brother accepts your command!"

Rising, Zhu Hao faced the assembled ministers. "His Majesty is gravely injured and unconscious; the Crown Prince is overcome with grief and has entrusted me to issue orders on his behalf!"

He surveyed the ministers, then announced, "The first edict on behalf of the Crown Prince: send someone to the palace to summon the imperial physicians to treat His Majesty immediately! Who among you will go?"

Immediately, a slightly grizzled minister stepped forward. "I will go, Your Highness." With Zhu Hao's nod, the minister departed.

Satisfied with their cooperation, Zhu Hao continued, "The second edict on behalf of the Crown Prince: notify the Grand Secretariat of His Majesty’s condition and announce that court sessions are suspended from tomorrow. The Secretariat will decide all matters; anything unresolved should be referred to the Crown Prince at the Eastern Palace."

Another minister came forward to accept the order and left.

Afterward, Zhu Hao declared, "The third edict on behalf of the Crown Prince: Commander Xie Gang of the Imperial Guards is to lead two thousand guards to surround the royal hunting grounds. No one may enter or leave without the Crown Prince’s order until the cause of His Majesty’s fall is ascertained. Anyone violating this order will be treated as a traitor!"

If the first two edicts were accepted smoothly, the third caused an uproar among the ministers.

"What does he mean by this? Are we being placed under house arrest?"

"Who is he anyway? He may be His Majesty’s son, but he’s not even a prince yet! By what right does he treat us like this?"

"I object! I need to go home tonight to see my children!"

"Let His Highness the Crown Prince come and speak to us himself!"

"We want to go home!"

…

As the ministers clamored like a marketplace, Zhu Hao thought grimly, "Father, forgive me. For your sake, and for the sake of the Ming Dynasty, I must show no mercy today."

He shouted, "Where is Hua Rong?"

Hua Rong, who had been accompanying Zhu Youxiao, followed him back to the camp. At Zhu Hao’s call, he stepped forward and saluted. "At your service!"

Zhu Hao nodded. "Hua Rong, by the Crown Prince’s order, I appoint you as Officer of Enforcement. Anyone violating my third edict, regardless of rank, is to be executed on the spot without the need to report!"

Hua Rong dropped to one knee in a military salute. "I obey!"

At these chilling words, the previously restless ministers fell silent. Zhu Hao thought they had finally quieted down and was secretly relieved, but there are always those bold enough to test the boundaries.

An elderly minister, his beard white as snow, headed for the exit, sneering, "I have served three emperors as Minister of Works. I don’t believe that snot-nosed child dares to kill me! Hmph!"

He cast a provocative glance at Zhu Hao, then addressed the ministers, "Let me set an example! If you fear death, I do not. I will go first! Anyone else who wishes to go home, follow me!"